Spending a week at a secluded hotel and spa would for many, be deemed a form of relaxation, but for the 24 participants of the 2013 Waitukubuli Entreprenuers Leve (WEL), their one week stay at the Jungle Bay Resort & Spa was a lot more business than pleasure.
Jungle Bay opened its doors to the aspiring entrepreneurs on Saturday 16th November, 2013, in an effort to help them explore their business ideas and according to one WEL participant, Don St. Jean, the retreat helped each participant discover their true potential.
“This retreat has been nothing short of exceptional. The perspective at which we look at business has been elevated to a much higher level or the next level. We saw the potential in 24 individuals who possessed will, passion and determination and groomed us with the aid of strategically structured sessions which generated a momentum of thought that was inside of us that we never knew existed” St Jean said.
He added that participants learned that hard work and perseverance was the way to success.
“The vital importance of good character, record keeping and proper management were also stressed. I personally witnessed the birth of million dollar business ideas just sitting around the lunch table as we reflected on the sessions before hand and how the new information received enhanced our business skills.”
Outgoing President of WEL and proprietor of Jungle Bay Resort and Spa, Sam Raphael, advised participants that following up on their conversations, is one way in which they can be successful.
“We like to talk in this country. It makes no sense for you to go and have a conversation with an officer at the bank and have a nice talk with all your brilliant ideas in your head and you don’t get your business plan in and start. You cannot wait until everything is perfect for you to start or you will never start. You will not get it right the first time.”
According to Raphael, participants should have self discipline and align themselves with positive people.
Director of The Youth Development Division, John Roach, pointed out that WEL has impacted the lives of about 100 emerging entrepreneurs in Dominica over the past 3 years.
“About 25% of these entrepreneurs are currently in business and doing fairly well given the challenging economic circumstances.”
He noted that the achievements of the young entrepreneurs can be attributed to at least 3 elements which include the high quality of the WEL retreat, the strong support system provided following the retreat and the determination of the entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurship is the engine that solves the world’s problems; it is the cornerstone of economic growth and stability,” he said.
Roach reassured WEL of the Youth Development Division’s commitment to the program.
I really miss that training. Next time I won missed.
Sam continue to demonstrate, the size of the man that he is. He brings simple champions together to touch lives from all walks of life, well done WEL
Now I can see how some people that I know, do not put themselves out for the important things going on in DA, why because they think people will always send them BARREL…they want to eat bread but they do not want to go get fire wood…they hate the Americans but hate their biscuits…dream on Christmas coming…..barrel na come? feyian…
My point is, not one family or friend of mine attended…But had it been sewo or, a big braff was cooking at that same location trust me they would have walked…some of us fail to take advantage of grate opportunities….
Well Done …..Sam and WEL!!!
well done mr Sam